Copenhagen Named European Green Capital 2014

1.16.2014 23:09

On December 18, 2013 Copenhagen was officially crowned the European Green Capital 2014 by the European Commission. 11 cities were in the run to become this year’s Green Capital, but Copenhagen snatched the title.

The European Commission has long recognised the important role that local authorities play in improving the environment, and their high level of commitment to genuine progress. The European Green Capital Award has been conceived as an initiative to promote and reward these efforts.

“The rest of Europe could learn a lot from Copenhagen’s climate efforts and the high quality of life that Copenhageners lead. This prize reflects the fact that Copenhagen is making significant efforts to develop its urban space in order to deliver a more healthy and sustainable city for Copenhageners,” Potočnik said.

Copenhagen will celebrate the green capital title by putting on events throughout 2014 together with 75 partner organisations and businesses.

The events will be kicked off on January 22 on City Hall Square, Rådhuspladsen, and other public spaces around the inner city. A full programme will be published in the beginning of January.

The climate minister, Martin Lidegaard (R), said that Copenhagen sets an example for cities around the world.

“It’s vital that there are cities, businesses and citizens who have the will to lead the fight against climate change,” Lidegaard said.

Facts about European Green Capital

Starting in 2010, one European city is selected each year as the European Green Capital of the year. The award is given to a city that:

Has a consistent record of achieving high environmental standards;

Is committed to ongoing and ambitious goals for further environmental improvement and sustainable development;

Can act as a role model to inspire other cities and promote best practices to all other European cities.

The winning cities to date include: Stockholm in 2010, Hamburg in 2011, Vitoria-Gastiez in 2012, Nantes in 2013, Copenhagen in 2014 and Bristol in 2015.All are recognised for their consistent record of achieving high environmental standards and commitment to ambitious goals.